July 26, 2007 -- The construction of the first expressway in the mountainous area in Xinjiang Province, China, has started a new stage in its construction, said Xinjiang Daily on Jul. 24. The 56 kilometer highway linking Sayram Lake and Guozi Valley in Northern Xinjiang area will cost 2.39 billion yuan.

According to Xinjiang Daily, expressway is designed to improve the speed on national highway 312 in northern Xinjiang province. The project started in August 2006 and several stages have been fully operational since March 2007. Over 3,000 workers have been involved.

The 700 meter long guozi Valley cable bridge over the expressway is now currently being constructed, with the 24 main pile foundations already completed.

Highway 312 national highway Xinjiang section, connects Xinjiang with China's east coast, central and western Asia, plus some parts of Europe.

It is a key factor in Xinjiang's economic development, reported the Xinjiang Daily. The population it covers is around 40 percent of the overall in Xinjiang Province, who contribute half of the GDP in the area.